Preston Frazier’s Mid-Year Best of 2014 (Rock, Pop and Jazz): Simon Phillips, Kere Buchanan, Nathan East, Oz Noy, Judith Owen, Toto
Already, we’ve heard so much great stuff from the Toto family tree of music.
Something Else!
Something Else! sneak peek: Jerry Lee Lewis, “Rock and Roll Time” from Rock and Roll Time (2014)
An enduringly ornery delight, the Killer still sounds as dangerous as ever.
S. Victor Aaron’s Mid-Year Best of 2014 (Avant Garde & Experimental Jazz): Jimmy Giuffre, Roscoe Mitchell, Jamie Saft/Joe Morris
The appeal of this music is its unbiased diversity and lack of set rules.
One Track Mind: The Stooges’ James Williamson, “Open Up and Bleed” from Re-Licked (2014)
Add a blues belter, and this little-heard early-1970s Stooges demo is reborn.
Ian McLagan and the Bump Band – United States (2014)
Ian McLagan returns with a boozy swagger, even while examining deep human emotions.
The Doors – Other Voices (1971); Full Circle (1972): More Perfect Playlists
Rarely considered part of the canon, these two albums nevertheless have their moments.
Arch Enemy – War Eternal (2014)
The addition of Alissa White-Gluz leads to one of Arch Enemy’s best overall efforts to date.
Nick DeRiso’s Mid-Year Best of 2014 (Rock, Roots and Prog): John Oates, Jack White, David Crosby, Joe Henry, GOASTT, California Breed
A career-defining three-EP set, a stirring comeback, another thrilling head scratcher.
Something Else! Interview: Nels Cline Singers drummer Scott Amendola discusses his ambitious Fade To Orange project
Amendola is an affable, do-it-all drummer with a wicked backbeat.
Peter Brotzmann + Sonny Sharrock – Whatthef*ckdoyouwant? (2014)
More than an album, these archival 1987 recordings unfold like a conversation.
